Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
6 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
3
Email verified
Details
Description
Hi there!
NOTE:
1. Since the property is off the beaten path (2 kilometers away from the highway on a gravel road in a rural area and 20 minutes by highway to nearest town), Workawayers with their own transportation would be best suited here. There is no public transportation.
2. After 6 years of living here together, Brad and I are going through a separation and I’m hoping to take sole possession of the property for 2024.
The ideal workawayers are hard-working, strong, nature-loving, independent people that don't mind working rain or shine and preference will be given to those who can stay for three weeks or more. Helpers also must love dogs since interaction/grooming of a 170lbs Newf will be a daily occurrence.
I live in cottage country in a cabin across the road from a lake on a 1 acre property with Jacopo, a large, slobbery Newfoundland dog. I’ve been adopting a more self sustaining lifestyle with a smaller carbon footprint. I like to manufacture, re-purpose, repair and barter as much as possible instead of contributing to our consumer-driven, disposable society. I have layer chickens year round. In summer/fall I usually raise broiler chickens. The gardens are a work in progress, but I try to grow whatever vegetables possible for this climate.
The farm animals that live here are ultimately harvested for food, but they live a happy life and until their time is up. They are treated with respect and care. There is "cool" storage, so potatoes, turnip, beets and carrots from the garden are available most of the year--building a proper cold storage cellar eventually is on the to do list.
Since 2017, guests have been welcomed into the cabin from all over the world by renting out one of the bedrooms for travelers to the area. But in 2019, I decided to try WorkAway instead during the summer months. Unfortunately, due to COVID, I did not host 2020 - 2022 and in 2023 my ex and I were going through separation.
Summer is an extremely busy time here, juggling the gardens, caring for the animals, property maintenance and a full-time job. I work in Gros Morne National Park as visitor experience support for Parks Canada.
I'm an outdoor enthusiast who appreciate joy in the little things. Knowing life is short, I’d rather focus efforts on experiences and relationships versus material stuff. The cabin is cozy and has all the basic essentials to live here year round, but it is nothing fancy and lots of areas need upgrading.
I enjoy all types of activities including back country hiking/camping, kayaking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and gardening. Downtime involves a lot of social time around campfires, chats about future farm projects and playing with the dog.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I constantly try new ideas with what livestock and eco-friendly initiatives would be best suited here, and each year gain more knowledge. For example, in 2018, we purchased a sawmill, began a vermicompost, raised 20 broiler chickens and 2 pigs, and built a potato box tower. We even smoked our own bacon and brewed some beer! Always eager to implement sustainable practices and be more diligent/knowledgeable with the garden in 2024. Although Google is a very helpful resource, nothing beats first hand experience and would appreciate any insight from Workawayers. I have lots to share about raising chickens, gardening, canning, and figuring out problems as they arise. I love inquisitive minds, and will gladly teach what I know.
Help
Regular tasks:
Feed/water animals in the morning and evening
Collect and clean eggs
Dog sitting, grooming, assist with training
Move animals from one area to another throughout the day, or watch over them while free ranging
Gardening (planting, weeding, watering, harvesting)
Wood splitting, wood stacking
Collect firewood in the bush
Change bedding for animals/muck out pens
Turn compost pile
Lawn cutting
Trail cutting/brush burning
Rock picking
"spring" cleaning in the house (on rainy days)
canning vegetables
Special projects for 2024
Construct cold frames and greenhouse
Build fence around the property
expect 5 hours of work, 5 days a week. Cooking and doing dishes will be a shared responsibility in addition to the 25 hours per week.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
~A private room upstairs with a double bed and dresser or
(smoking is permitted outside only)
There is poor cell reception on our property, but reliable, fast internet and a landline phone.
What else ...
Staying here will offer opportunities to connect with nature, experience cabin country living, and gear down to a slower pace. Our property is across the road from the lake which is amazingly refreshing for a summer swim. I have a kayak that guests can borrow. Evening campfires under the stars are a regular occurrence.
Located a scenic 30 minute drive from Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, which is filled with hiking trails for all levels and beautiful landscapes. It is definitely a special place to visit, and I can provide lots of customized advice on what to do.
Since the property is off the beaten path (2 kilometers away from the highway on a gravel road in a rural area and 20 minutes by highway to nearest town), Workawayers with their own transportation would be best suited here. There is no public transportation.
Any questions? Just ask!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We can accommodate campervans!
Can possibly accept pets
Depends on the details.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (2)
Their home is very cosy, as was my room. The work was fair and often fun. Lots of digging and wood chopping/stacking, it was a pleasure to help out.
Kristi made yummy food and really looked after me, which is always appreciated when backpacking. We… read more
I learned a lot of different things about wood, building, gardening, taking care of the chickens and ducks and much more. They always encourage you to try new things (not only eating moose for the first time!).
They… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Their home is very cosy, as was my room. The work was fair and often fun. Lots of digging and wood chopping/stacking, it was a pleasure to help out.
Kristi made yummy food and really looked after me, which is always appreciated when backpacking. We… read more
I learned a lot of different things about wood, building, gardening, taking care of the chickens and ducks and much more. They always encourage you to try new things (not only eating moose for the first time!).
They… read more
